Coffee, Culture, and the Capitol

99: Hate Speech, Free Speech, and Sacramento's New Training Mandates

In this episode of Coffee Culture and the Capitol, Sophia Lorey and Greg Burt break down AB 1803 and AB 1578—two controversial proposals that would require mandatory anti-hate training for employees and elected officials across California. Supporters say the bills combat discrimination, but critics warn they could be used to silence dissenting viewpoints and pressure Californians to conform to government-approved beliefs. Sophia shares her experience testifying against AB 1803, while Greg discusses his testimony on AB 1578 and the heated exchanges that followed in committee hearings. Together, they examine the growing debate over free speech, religious freedom, gender ideology, and whether Sacramento is crossing the line from education into ideological reeducation. They also discuss California Family Council's upcoming Lobby Day, how everyday citizens can engage directly with lawmakers, and why showing up matters in the fight for life, family, and liberty. Links: * Lobby day: https://www.californiafamily.org/2026/06/join-cfclobby-day-june-24th/ [https://www.californiafamily.org/2026/06/join-cfclobby-day-june-24th/] * Gala: https://watchdog.californiafamily.org/fundraising/e/2026-gala [https://watchdog.californiafamily.org/fundraising/e/2026-gala] * Ab 1578 full hearing: https://youtu.be/S3evfM3_8IA?si=AYi0BKgOkcBBb0t- [https://youtu.be/S3evfM3_8IA?si=AYi0BKgOkcBBb0t-] * AB 1803 full hearing: https://youtu.be/MVXIFYi_4wI?si=JBrdMDZwAIAc8gfH [https://youtu.be/MVXIFYi_4wI?si=JBrdMDZwAIAc8gfH] * Donate: https://www.californiafamily.org/donate/ [https://www.californiafamily.org/donate/]

98: Boys in Girls' Sports, Race Preferences Return, and California's Push for More Late-Term Abortions

In this episode of Coffee Culture and the Capitol, Sophia Lorey and Greg Burt break down some of the most significant battles unfolding at the California State Capitol. First, they discuss the growing controversy over male athletes competing in girls' sports following the CIF State Track and Field Championships and share highlights from California Family Council's press conference defending fairness and safety for female athletes. Next, they examine ACA 7, a proposed constitutional amendment that would weaken Proposition 209's ban on race-based preferences in public education. Sophia and Greg unpack the heated committee debate and what the measure could mean for California schools. Finally, they cover AB 1973, legislation that would allow nurse practitioners, certified nurse-midwives, and physician assistants to perform second- and third-trimester abortions. Hear testimony from a former abortionist and medical professionals who warned lawmakers about the serious risks this bill poses to women. Plus, learn how you can make your voice heard through CFC's upcoming Lobby Day at the State Capitol. Links: * Dr. Wong interview with greg https://youtu.be/HfDYs336lC0?si=5wecsM5AWq7z149_ [https://youtu.be/HfDYs336lC0?si=5wecsM5AWq7z149_] * Dr. Wong's testimony https://youtu.be/KElYYTnJiLA?si=-yI_Va-qjqfrGtn3 [https://youtu.be/KElYYTnJiLA?si=-yI_Va-qjqfrGtn3] * AB 1973 full hearing: https://youtu.be/2F64dWqBO_4?si=GiK2XkeHAISvwLZ8 [https://youtu.be/2F64dWqBO_4?si=GiK2XkeHAISvwLZ8] * ACA 7 full hearing https://youtu.be/XQKnlYhFwfw?si=hs8ZMxoOLGk-AScp [https://youtu.be/XQKnlYhFwfw?si=hs8ZMxoOLGk-AScp] * Donation * California family Website * Lobby day https://watchdog.californiafamily.org/rsvp/2026-june-lobby-day [https://watchdog.californiafamily.org/rsvp/2026-june-lobby-day] * Gala https://watchdog.californiafamily.org/fundraising/e/2026-gala [https://watchdog.californiafamily.org/fundraising/e/2026-gala]

97: Governor Newsom Responds to Save Girls’ Sports Movement

In Episode 97 of Coffee, Culture, and the Capitol, Sophia Lorey and Greg Burt break down the latest controversy surrounding girls’ sports in California after another male athlete dominated multiple girls’ track and field events at CIF prelims. Sophia shares behind-the-scenes details from a powerful press conference where brave female athletes spoke out for fairness, safety, and equal opportunity, even as Governor Newsom’s office accused critics of “bullying.” Sophia and Greg discuss why teenage girls should not be left alone to defend their own rights, the growing national attention on the Save Girls’ Sports movement, and why parents, pastors, and leaders must finally speak up. They also unpack AB 2017, a California bill that would expand religious holiday observances in public schools, and what it reveals about the state’s approach to religion and education. Plus: practical ways listeners can take action, support female athletes, and stay involved in what’s happening at the Capitol! Watch the press conference here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMhaGFBkvv0 Sign the Petition urging CIF to follow Title IX: https://www.xxonly.org/petition/ AB 2017 Article: https://www.californiafamily.org/2026/05/california-wants-to-give-public-schools-permission-to-celebrate-the-end-of-ramadan/

96: Chaos at the Capitol: Hate Speech Bill Without a Definition & Abortion Bill Hits Headlines

In this episode of Coffee Culture & The Capitol, the team breaks down a chaotic and high-stakes week in California politics—from testimony at the State Capitol to national media coverage. They unpack AB 1973, a controversial bill expanding who can perform second and third trimester abortions, raising serious concerns about medical safety and standards of care. The conversation then turns to AB 1578, a so-called “anti-hate” training bill that sparked intense debate after lawmakers struggled to define what “hate speech” actually means. With powerful testimony, sharp questioning from legislators, and a moment that left the room silent, the episode highlights the growing tension between free speech, faith, and public policy. After their testimony gained attention from major media outlets like the New York Post, the hosts reflect on how local advocacy can shape national conversations—and why staying informed and engaged has never been more important. Links: New York Post Article: https://nypost.com/2026/04/28/us-news/california-dems-plot-to-let-nurses-perform-late-term-abortions/ [https://nypost.com/2026/04/28/us-news/california-dems-plot-to-let-nurses-perform-late-term-abortions/] Action center AB 1973 https://californiafamily.quorum.us/campaign/160547/ [https://californiafamily.quorum.us/campaign/160547/] AB 1973 Hearing https://youtu.be/6uBTmrAN2uc [https://youtu.be/6uBTmrAN2uc] Action Center AB 1578 https://californiafamily.quorum.us/campaign/161032/ [https://californiafamily.quorum.us/campaign/161032/] AB 1578 Hearing https://youtu.be/ce4dovJo60M [https://youtu.be/ce4dovJo60M] National Day of Prayer https://www.californiafamily.org/2026-national-day-of-prayer/ [https://www.californiafamily.org/2026-national-day-of-prayer/] America Reads the Bible https://youtu.be/5UKbmaHFcpc [https://youtu.be/5UKbmaHFcpc] California family Website https://www.californiafamily.org/ [https://www.californiafamily.org/]

95: Opt Out & Speak Up: The Battle for Parents, Kids, and Truth in California

In Episode 95 of Coffee, Culture & the Capitol, Sophia Lorey and Greg Burt unpack two major developments impacting families, faith, and freedom in California. First, they highlight a powerful new webinar designed for parents and teachers, featuring legal experts from organizations like Alliance Defending Freedom, Pacific Justice Institute, and National Center for Law and Policy. The discussion centers on recent Supreme Court decisions—especially Mahmoud v. Taylor—that expand parental rights in education. Listeners will learn how families can exercise opt-out rights from controversial curriculum and how teachers can navigate growing pressure in the classroom. Then, the episode turns to a heated California Senate hearing on SB 934, introduced by Scott Wiener. Sophia and Greg break down the bill’s implications, including concerns about free speech, counseling practices, and potential legal risks for professionals. Featuring clips and commentary from the committee hearing, they explore the broader cultural and legal tensions shaping policy in California—and what’s at stake moving forward. Links: Watch the webinar here: https://youtu.be/WMB8wgnJ3lE?si=CM6XylMbi3b2oJUh [https://youtu.be/WMB8wgnJ3lE?si=CM6XylMbi3b2oJUh] Parental rights resource: https://californiafamily.org/parental-rights-resources.html [https://californiafamily.org/parental-rights-resources.html] Watch ADF Chiles V salazar explanation here: https://youtu.be/wT_P24m5jGE?si=5r3aEXzEorQi9ToH [https://youtu.be/wT_P24m5jGE?si=5r3aEXzEorQi9ToH] Watch Full SB 934 hearing here: https://youtu.be/IvrR7TIeGo8?si=HPLWvostxiSPCXB9 [https://youtu.be/IvrR7TIeGo8?si=HPLWvostxiSPCXB9]